The Highland’s new Archive and Registration Centre is handed over
After almost 18 months of construction work, Morrison Construction, part of the Galliford Try group, has handed the keys over to The Highland Council for the new Archive and Registration Centre at the Bught Park, Inverness, following an independent inspection and it is now ready for the Council to begin the transfer of its archives and registration services into the new facility over the coming months.
It is hoped that the new building can be opened to the public on Monday 26 October.
The £10.5 million, 3,866 sqm centre will incorporate an archive conservation unit, a dedicated family history centre, a ceremony suite and modern office accommodation.
In addition, specialist atmospheric and environmental controls have been used in order to safeguard the storage of parchment, paper and records in other formats allowing the return of archives to the Highlands presently stored in Edinburgh.
The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the project a grant of £4,312,000.
Morrison Construction’s operations director Donald McLachlan said: “This is an exciting time for everyone connected with the Archive and Registration Centre and I know that staff and the community are looking forward to having their first glimpse inside of the newly completed Centre.
“It is a magnificent looking building providing a bright, airy and comfortable working environment and boasting quality finishes.”
Accepting the keys to the Highland Archive and Registration Centre, Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Sandy Park said: “This magnificent 21st Century facility is the key to providing a safe and fitting home for our very important archival heritage and I am delighted that it is being completed in the Year of Homecoming.
"Not only will we be able to provide a great facility for people searching their family history and Highland roots but with the moving of the Registration Service from Moray House we will be able to provide much better facilities for the public in much better surroundings.”